Makurdi — The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has inaugurated the Safe School Initiative in Benue State, calling on schools, parents, and communities to collaborate with security agencies to protect children and ensure a secure learning environment.
Speaking through the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 4, Mr. Zacharia Achinyan, during a Stakeholders’ Forum in Makurdi themed “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities,” the IGP emphasized that safeguarding schools is a top priority for the Nigeria Police Force.
As part of the initiative, a School Protection Squad has been launched under the Benue State Police Command. Egbetokun highlighted that the deployment of modern technology and intelligence-led strategies will enhance the security architecture around schools, ensuring a proactive law enforcement presence.
“Our schools are not just places of learning—they are the cradle of our nation’s future. Their safety defines the security of our country’s tomorrow,” the IGP said. “This is why I’ve instructed all Commissioners of Police within the Zone to engage local stakeholders to build a united front in protecting educational institutions.”
He urged all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and community leaders, to actively support law enforcement in fostering a culture of safety across all schools.
Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, noted that the initiative is timely given the state’s security challenges, including cultism, robbery, kidnapping, and child trafficking. He stressed the importance of preventive measures to shield students from criminal elements.
“Our children are the future, and we must do everything to protect them from harm,” Emenari said.
In his remarks, Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Deborah Aber, reiterated the state’s commitment to creating a secure educational environment. He listed efforts by his administration, including the establishment of a Schools Response Centre, special security operations, and the distribution of mobility assets to security agencies.
The launch marks a significant step in the nationwide implementation of the Safe School Initiative, aimed at enhancing security and safeguarding Nigeria’s education system from persistent threats.
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